Knit Lab

Projects, Patterns & Techniques

These essential lessons for new knitters teach you fundamental skills and about basic supplies through step-by-step instruction from designer Stefanie Japel.

This empowering class begins with essential lessons for new knitters: choosing supplies, casting on, knitting, purling and binding off. Learn how to increase, decrease, make a buttonhole, knit lace, block, seam and read patterns. Stefanie shares her "purls" of wisdom as she teaches you how to knit a scarf then ups the ante by demostrating a host of useful techniques that you can come back to again and again.

Lesson 16. Knitting with Alternative Materials

"I loved this class! I haven't touched knitting needles for over thirty years so before I took it I …was horrified that I would make a mistake. I'm amazed at how far I have come. This class gave me the confidence to keep going with my knitting. And the lovely key-hole scarf is a great way to start too. Stephanie Japel is very funny and warm teacher and she makes you feel completely engaged in the lessons…this class is worth every penny you spend on it!" - nmajkutCalifornia, USA

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Lesson plan

4:42

Lesson 1. Introduction

Instructor Stefanie Japel discusses the skills, topics and patterns that are covered in Knit Lab.

28:02

Lesson 2. Materials

Learn about a wide variety of yarn, needles and several handy knitting gadgets.

9:58

Lesson 3. Casting On

This lesson introduces students to the long tail cast on method, knitting's most common method of casting on.

25:53

Lesson 4. Stitches: Knitting and Purling

Learn the two main stitches used in knitting: the knit and purl.

18:52

Lesson 5. Stitches: Purl Ridges

Learn how to create purl ridges using the knit and purl stitches learned in Lesson 4.

1:09:17

Lesson 6. Stitches: Lace

Stefanie introduces lace with a simple combination of increases and decreases, which will help you make the Lacy Keyhole Scarf.

23:47

Lesson 7. Stitches: Keyhole, Buttonhole & Seaming

Learn how to use increases and decreases to create keyholes and buttonholes, and finish up the Lacy Keyhole Scarf!

11:58

Lesson 8. Finishing: Weaving Ends

Stefanie shows you how to weave in the ends of a finished project for both garter and stockinette stitches.

14:26

Lesson 9. Blocking

Learn how to wet block and steam block, as well as when to choose each method.

30:34

Lesson 10. Stitch Library: Seed & Basket Weave

Learn how to use the basic knit and purl stitches to create more complex, detailed patterns, including the seed and basket-weave stitches.

1:03:36

Lesson 11. Stitch Library: Increases

Learn about several different increases that will help you shape your garments.

24:52

Lesson 12. Stitch Library: Decreases

Learn the Slip, Slip, Knit decrease as Stefanie teaches you how to use decreases to shape your garments.

11:11

Lesson 13. Casting On: Middle of a Row

Stefanie introduces you to several additional casting on methods: cable cast-on, knitting-on method and backwards-loop method.

32:09

Lesson 14. Next Steps: Garment Shaping

Learn how to use increases and decreases to shape socks, sweaters and shawls.

22:06

Lesson 15. Pattern Reading

Demystify pattern reading. Learn how to read a basic pattern, including charts and common pattern abbreviations.

19:44

Lesson 16. Knitting with Alternative Materials

Stefanie Japel, Instructor of Knit Lab

Stefanie started knitting at 8 years old and began designing soon thereafter. She learned to knit in the round at age 20, and her books — Glam Knits, Fitted Knits, and Mom and Me Knits — all feature fabulous circular knitting patterns. You'll also find Stefanie's wonderful work in Interweave Knits, Knitscene, Vogue Knitting and more. Stefanie teaches a variety of knitting classes on Craftsy, and her lifetime of experience, clear teaching style and effervescent enthusiasm make her one incredibly fun instructor.

Ratings & reviews

Class rating

(175 reviews)

Knitting Is Cool

by trbera on February 17, 2015

This class is great! I love that it is both informative and cool!

This class is great! I love that it is both informative and cool!

Super Lessons

by umomer on February 17, 2015

Recommended

Recommended

by trayfran4411460 on February 15, 2015

Great Knitting Lab

by Jessica.Chambers on January 24, 2015

Easy to follow, thorough, and great quality video!

Easy to follow, thorough, and great quality video!

Just Starting

by happyinio1407830 on January 19, 2015

I am learning how to knit. So far this class has been easy to follow and understand

I am learning how to knit. So far this class has been easy to follow and understand